General replacement key fob

[FASTMOGGY]

Hi all,
I have an Eleganza (marmite) 1.2 05 plate. The key fob is the original and in full working order save the plastic/rubber buttons which have now perished and worn through so I can no longer use the remote locking
Since my Fiat garage closed im stuck to where to go for help to get a full replacement body as the internals are fine and don't want to go to the expense ,Again, :bang: of getting a whole new key fob and having it programmed.
ANy help and advice very welcomed

 

[Chali]

Ebay

 

[FASTMOGGY]

Ebay

Hi,
yes I've been to eBay and there is quite a selection, the quality of some are questionable, especially the 'direct from china' ones which I guess wont be as robust as you'd want.
On saying that, has anyone used one of these and how easy was it to transfer the electronics? Also the 'blade'/key itself, replacements come with a blank which means 'more' cost to cut! Is it possible to exchange the key to the new unit? looking at the pictures I've seen, it doesn't look possible.
Anyone actually done this? and if so, how did you get on

 

[irc]

You could just get some replacement buttons from eBay.
The top 2 usually fit OK but the boot release button usually needs trimming to fit properly.
Done quite a few like this. Much less hassle.

Quality of the complete cases seems pretty variable. Most have incorrect moulded parts inside, which bend the PCB.

Some have an extra ridge in just the wrong place for the fragile part of the PCB antenna. This will stop the key being recognised. Can be cut out, but is a faff.

None that I've seen so far will take a direct swap of the old key blade. The lock and spring mechanism are similar but different enough to stop it working properly.

Not found anywhere willing to cut the (poor quality) blank that comes with the case.

Hope that helps.

 

[koalar]

cheap copy Around £5
Good copy around £20

unfortunately some seller sell cheap and nasty for expensive.

maybe we need to start a list of reputable suppliers of keyz

most feedback on eBay just say a++ or fast delivery and its hard to filter feedback for a particular product.

I have never used aliexpess but the feedback does relate to each product.

 

[The Panda Nut]

You could just get some replacement buttons from eBay.
The top 2 usually fit OK but the boot release button usually needs trimming to fit properly.
Done quite a few like this. Much less hassle.

Quality of the complete cases seems pretty variable. Most have incorrect moulded parts inside, which bend the PCB.

Some have an extra ridge in just the wrong place for the fragile part of the PCB antenna. This will stop the key being recognised. Can be cut out, but is a faff.

None that I've seen so far will take a direct swap of the old key blade. The lock and spring mechanism are similar but different enough to stop it working properly.

Not found anywhere willing to cut the (poor quality) blank that comes with the case.

Hope that helps.

Yes the key blades are an issue I had too. I have bought two new lades for the keys for our 312's from a local locksmith These cut were £22 each. Now I need to find the cars codes and see if the keys I already had can be programmed. If not I have some expensive emergency door keys...

 

[rmjbn1]

Hi Fastmoggy, I replaced the buttons on mine with Far East eBay specials. As irc mentions, the door buttons are fine, the boot button isn't. But for 99p it's OK. More details here and here.
I've now splashed out even more on eBay for a silicone cover here, which also isn't a great fit But the buttons work fine.
I'd be tempted by a complete replacement fob, at least this way the buttons will already be fitted (and should fit properly...)
I've done this on my mum's Citroen, and swapping the key blade, circuit board and transponder chip was easy enough.

 

[ponsaloti]

We can do this for you. Not sure where you are though

 

[emmyd]

Interested to know if anyone has had luck with this, I’ve just purchased a lovely 2013 500C but the buttons on the main key are so worn, is there an easy option anyone has discovered to replace the body without needing to get a new key cut? Cheers

 

[koalar]

Interested to know if anyone has had luck with this, I’ve just purchased a lovely 2013 500C but the buttons on the main key are so worn, is there an easy option anyone has discovered to replace the body without needing to get a new key cut? Cheers

as long as you have a working key then cloning it isnt a problem. Button dont matter
any auto locksmith can do this.
Other locksmith are hit and miss. It all depends on there staff. Some have had success with Timpson

It is possible to rehouse a key and replace button if you have the skills to solder surface mount components

well thats how it works with a Panda

Very few people have the equipment and knowledge to pre programme a blank key without an original to clone, consequently they will charge hundreds.


A very expensive pre programed and cut key can be bought from Fiat plus the trivial task of adding it to the body computer via the diagnostic port

 

[A3jeroen]

You can purchase the rubber over the keys and the housing (in almost every colour you like) on Aliexpress.
Even I managed to swap them...

gr J

 

[rmjbn1]

the buttons on the main key are so worn, is there an easy option anyone has discovered to replace the body without needing to get a new key cut? Cheers

Yes, you have two options, as Jeroen says both available from AliExpress:

1. replace only the rubber buttons (https://www.aliexpress.com/item/100...2e-6&pdp_ext_f={"sku_id":"12000017364352305"}). I did this on my Panda's key fob. Prise out the old ones and push in replacements (you need to pop off the top cover on the 500 key first). Video here:


2. replace the entire fob casing and swap everything over: the old key blade, circuit board, battery, and very importantly the transponder chip. I did this for a different key fob, and I'd recommend watching a video tutorial - bit fiddly, especially winding the spring tension on to the key blade.

The fit & finish probably won't be as good as original, but both approaches worked fine for me with no key cutting or reprogramming required.

 

[koalar]

thought when I first read this the button weren't working

if its just the printing on the top worn off then its simple to rehouse

 

[emmyd]

Thanks all!!! Very helpful

 

[Troubles with 500c]

Yes, it’s very easy to replace buttons. I replaced the worn out pad with a new one because you couldn’t see the symbols anymore. The white highlighting makes a real difference at night.